Happy "Middle Child Day"

Today is Middle Child Day - Aug 13
A day to salute the middle-born children whose youthful activities were limited due to their always being too young or too old. Today, they are just right! Created in 1986 by Elizabeth Walker. Annually, the second Saturday in August.

We all have them in our family tree somewhere, and we all know the "Middle Child Syndrome" that is talked about. How about YOU? Are you one or do you have one of your own or one in the family that pops to mind. I can tell you in my family say "Middle Child" and my daughter Miranda jumps to mind immediately. A strong willed child from before birth (that's a story in itself...LOL) and yet a loving caring young woman; who, if she is your friend you will be so happy to have.

Banff, Alberta - June 28/2019 - Father (John Goodwin) & Daughter (Miranda Goodwin)

Markstay/Warren, Ontario - Aug. 21/2005 -
Back L- William Goodwin (Father), Back R - John Goodwin (Son),
Front L-R - Victoria, Miranda & Liam (Grand-children)

Miranda was due on July 4th (my birthday) and started to show her uniqueness from with-in the womb. The 4th came and went with no appearance. The 5th came and went, also. The 6th came and her mother picked me up from work and said she was having contractions. We headed home where her mother was to meet us to watch our oldest child (Victoria). We could then head to the hospital. So We get home and the wife says she wants to take a shower before going; as she remembers how long she had to wait for one when Victoria was born. I told her we should leave now though as her contractions were about 5-6 minutes apart and the Dr. had said to head to the hospital at 10 minutes apart as the second child would come sooner then the first, usually. She said shower first and proceeded up the 5 stairs to the bathroom when half way up; her water broke. She turned around and said "Or we can leave now". We went to the hospital and around 10 pm we thought, 'she's not here yet; maybe she is going to wait to share her birthday with Grand-pa Bill (my father) on the 7th of July. One half hour later and Miranda was here. We said that she was stubborn and was determined to have her own birthday; no matter what we thought and or wanted. This nature showed itself from an early age. At around 4 yrs old, learning to tie her shoes and refusing help telling us "I do it my own self'; in that young slurred learning to speak for herself way.
As I said though she grew into a young woman who formed strong friendships. She proves to her friends continually her devotion to them and her support for them in many big and small ways. She is still stubborn and strong willed. You won't push her around in life; but you will be thankful she's in your corner.

So let's 'Remember When' the Middle Child (fill in the Blank) today and laugh out loud.

100 Years Old Today - Happy Birthday Grandpa!

     The date was April 28th, 1919 when Joseph Wilfrid Lafleur came into the world. Born to Eugene Wilfrid Lafleur and his wife Marie Louise (nee Trudel) in Caldwell, Nipissing County, Ontario, Canada. One of 12 children he would grow up to marry Desneige Margerite Ouellette on August 16th, 1943 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Warren, Sudbury District, Ontario, Canada. They in turn would go on to have 7 children and settle in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. My Mother was one of those children and so I the grandson of Wilfrid and a keeper of the family genealogy want to 'Remember When' on this the occasion of his 100th Birthday. I also happen to have been named in part after him. My full name is John Francis Wilfrid Goodwin. Named after both my grandfathers, I get my second middle name from Grandpa Lafleur.
      My grandfather was a great man. He took care of his family to the best of his ability and always loved them. He especially loved his grand kids and always had time for them. When my parents first married, they lived with my grand parents until they could get a place of their own. My dad told me he would come home late from work and on a number of occasions found my grandfather up in the kitchen holding and feeding me, so my mother could sleep and heal from the birth.  The family was always over at our grandparents for meals and gatherings at least once a week. The house was always full of family and friends and I know that is at least in part why my house is always open to family and friends; because of the example that my grandparents set for us. Death took my grandfather on November 1, 1977 and my grandmother a year and a half later. They had retired back up north to the Nipissing county area a few years before then and so I didn't get to see them weekly as I had before. That coupled with my age meant I never really got to ask them the questions I wish I had the chance to ask now.  But I always 'Remember When' with fondness as I think of them and I am glad I have personal memories at all. My younger brother has none. So again I say "Happy Birthday grandpa, I wish you were here. Love ya."

Joseph Wilfrid Lafleur - 1943

August 16, 1943 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur marries Desneige Ouellette.

Summer 1949 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur & Daughter Noella (home in Windsor).

Summer 1948 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur holding daughter Noella (home in Windsor).

Summer 1964 J. Wilfrid Lafleur standing with brother Fernand behind their parents (seated) Eugene W. Lafleur & Marie Louise (nee Trudel). 

Christmas day 1968 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur with his wife Desneige and their 7 children at their home (818 Bruce Ave., Windsor).

Christmas Day 1972 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur with some of his children & grand Children (me John in his arm) at his home (818 Bruce Ave., Windsor).

July 10, 1976 - J. Wilfrid Lafleur with grandchildren (left to right) John F.W. Goodwin, Branden R Goodwin & Sheri L. Lafleur.